A grieving family experienced an unimaginable mix-up during a funeral service when they were handed the incorrect body for cremation, as reported by The Guardian.

The error, attributed to a local NHS hospital, compelled the unidentified family to endure a second burial, this time with the correct body.

An internal investigation has been initiated to scrutinize the events that transpired at the Sirhowy Valley crematorium in Blackwood.

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A spokesperson for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board expressed profound regret, stating, “We are utterly heartbroken about what has happened to the family, and we take responsibility for this isolated incident.”

The health board has engaged with the affected family, extending support, and emphasized that this is an exceptional case resulting from human error.

The investigation is ongoing, with regular updates promised to the grieving family.

This unfortunate incident echoes a similar case reported by The Guardian in 2015, underscoring the critical importance of meticulous identity verification procedures in such sensitive matters.